A PLANNINGapplication for the controversial development of a permanent gypsy and traveller site at Derriton Quarry, Holsworthy, has been thrown out by Torridge District Council (TDC).

This comes after a lengthy battle for and against with Torridge District Council, members of the community and local councillors.

Originally, the application for seven pitches ­­was approved at Torridge District Councils Plans Committee on August 13, 2009 for the former Derriton depot. The proposal was in line with the previous governments provision for gypsies and travellers, highlighted in the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), which has since been scrapped.

The previous RSS stated in 2006 that around 27 pitches on five different sites in Torridge would be needed. However this has since been drastically reduced to nought to five pitches in Torridge.

Leader of Torridge District Council, Cllr James Morrish, explained: The council have looked at the Derriton site very carefully and have taken all aspects into consideration, from concerns from many local people and listened to them over quite a long period of time.

We have also seen the change of stance from the government which has now thrown out requirements for each district to have permanent sites for gypsies and travellers through the RSS and have taken a strong oversight of all facts put for us which very much includes the very strong fact that if the site is all but full to capacity, it is highly likely that it will cost the tax payer of Torridge District Council money to subsidise the convention of the permanent gypsy site. Although given a significant amount of money to make the site safer, that money wouldnt cover ongoing costs, such as maintenance.

Cllr Morrish has suggested to MP Eric Pickles, that there is more need for transitional sites rather than a permanent site such as Derriton.

Cllr Morrish said there is a need for transit sites in Torridge, as gypsies and travellers have highlighted the need to be able to move around.

He suggested providing transit sites with facilities such as toilets and washing up areas. Two or three transit sites in the area and then the money could be used to make sure areas were fully equipped.

Cllr Morrish said: The difference between a permanent and transitional site is very clear.

He gave an example that if a group of travellers and gypsies turned up in Manor Car Park in Holsworthy, Torridge District Council have very little legal persuasion to move them on and there would be very few members of the public in favour.

However, if a transit site was set up, this would allow TDC to explain and suggest the travellers and gypsies move to an alternative site with facilities available.

Cllr Morrish added: It is no good digging our heels in the sand, communities are here and hear to stay. They have to be treated with dignity and respect and are no different to us and are no more important yet no less important than you or I.

At the meeting, members had a long debate. It wasnt a unanimous decision, however there were more against the application than there were in favour and as a result it was refused.

Mayor of Holsworthy, Cllr Richard Brown said: I have always opposed the particular site, it is totally unsuitable and would cost an enormous amount of money. I am quite pleased it has been aborted as money can be spent in better places.

I wish it hadnt been embarked on in the first place, it is better to take the time to get things right than never. One of the reasons that the Highways gave up the depot was because it was unsafe, the road access is very bad and unsafe for pedestrians, as well as pollution.

He continued: The ongoing costs for running it were frightening. It is nothing against gypsy and traveller groups; Holsworthy is not a racist town.